Greetings, everyone. The first complete new week of the New Year was categorized by relatively limited regulatory action, perhaps as everyone got back from the holiday and prepared to launch into the swing of things. Nevertheless, here are the items of note: FDA Lithium batteries continue their long reach into the affairs of the regulatory…
Flying over the holidays? Don’t be human hazmat!
When you think about it, it’s amazing that we think nothing about flying thousands of miles to visit friends and family over the holidays. Flying is relatively inexpensive if you plan in advance, and—despite the airport crowds and potential weather delays—rarely qualifies as any kind of adventure. Beyond that, flying is also tremendously safe. In fact,…
A Letter from Bangkok on the 109th Meeting of the IATA Dangerous Goods Board
A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for. – John A. Shedd (Salt from My Attic, 1928) A not so old adage that captures the balance between safety and action. A 21st century version might be “An airplane is safe in its hangar, but that’s not what…
8 ways to prevent reverse logistics headaches this holiday season
If you’re a Dangerous Goods specialist at a retailer that ships electronics, you’re probably more nervous this holiday season than a 3rd-string quarterback on 4th-and-20. And it’s all due to four words: Lithium batteries. Reverse logistics. We really don’t need to say any more about the headaches lithium batteries have caused shippers over the last…
Infographic | New IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations for 2017
Year after year, no transport mode sees more Dangerous Goods regulatory changes than air transport. That’s why it’s essential to have a complete grasp of each year’s changes as soon as possible—and why now is the time to order your copy of the 58th Edition of the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Here’s a preview of…
Infographic | Unpacking the Mysteries of DG Packaging
Why is hazmat packaging so complex? And how do you get it right? Read on to learn what regulations govern Dangerous Goods packaging and how to interpret them. A packaging partner with deep expertise can help you think “inside the box,” and keep your shipments safe and compliant. What seems like a simple objective—ensuring the…
DG Digest: PHMSA Seeks Comments on Radioactive Material, EPA Focusing on Reverse Logistics, and IATA Releases Changes to the 58th Edition of the DGR
With Mid-September already here, the fall football season is not the only kick-off freshly in the news; regulatory matters also continue in play, with the associated agencies busy with their respective agendas. Let’s take a look at what’s new: PHMSA In harmonization news, PHMSA seeks public comment on a draft revision of the International Atomic…
Lithium battery discussion heats up Dangerous Goods Symposium Day 3
Sorry for the terrible choice of words. But when you’ve convened the world’s foremost experts in lithium battery shipping the same week the world’s largest smartphone maker recalls millions of units due to battery issues, it’s all we can do to not call the session “explosive.” Okay, we’re done now. Friday morning’s lithium battery panel…
Shipping damaged lithium batteries? Say hello to Special Permit Packaging!
Of all the headaches associated with shipping lithium batteries, the most acute of them might be return shipments of damaged or defective cells/batteries, or the equipment containing them. If that headache sounds familiar, we now have your ibuprofen. Based on a special permit from the U.S. Department of Transportation that grants relief from 49 CFR…
DG Digest: PHMSA’s Busy Week, U.S. Coast Guard’s New Rule on Jettisoning Cargo, and More LiOn Battery Woes
I hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day holiday safely—and that the summer it capped was a good one for you. The surprisingly busy regulatory week leading up to the break featured significant new announcements, so let’s get right to it! US Coast Guard The Coast Guard’s Chemical Transportation Advisory Committee will hold a series of…